Solar Powered Battery West Of Phoenix

Author:Source:Datetime: 2018-02-13 09:09:45

Arizona Public Service Co. and Tempe-based First Solar Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) are building a 50-megawatt solar power generator battery west of Phoenix that will store extra electricity.

APS — an arm of Phoenix-based Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW) — says it will use the power during the region’s scorching summer heat.
First Solar will build the project. It will include a 65-megawatt solar field. The project will be built next to APS’ Redhawk Power Plant in Arlington, 52 miles west of Phoenix off Interstate 10.

APS has inked a 15-year power-purchase agreement with First Solar. The Arizona utility plans to use energy stored in the battery during peak consumption times.

Phoenix’s two electric companies — APS and Tempe-based Salt River Project — both posted record energy use last summer when temperatures hit or approached 120 degrees during an intense heat wave.

APS officials say the First Solar deal is part of a larger 15-year plan that will involve more than 500 megawatts of battery-stored energy.